Alexis and Alexandrea Washington have been the best of teammates for more than a decade.

They were successful together playing at Midland High School, and they went through their first season at Midland College last year, helping the Lady Chaparrals earn their 23rd straight Region V Tournament appearance.

Now the Washington twins will look to help the No. 21-ranked Lady Chaps have another successful season in what could be the their final season playing together.

Alexis said she’s uncertain whether she’ll continue to play next year, while Alexandrea said that playing at the four-year level is a goal of hers. Either way, no matter what happens next year, the Washington sisters said they want to attend the same university next year as both are nursing students.

“It’s very important (to play at the next level), and it’s going to be a big decision because I’m in nursing, so that’ll be tough,” Alexandrea said.

The 5-foot-7 guards are part of five returning sophomores from last year’s 17-10 squad. Alexandrea, a shooting guard, averaged 7.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game as she started in 24 of 27 games played. Alexis, who plays more at the point, averaged 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game as she started in two of 27 games played.

MC coach Ron Jones said it’s always fun to have local kids playing for his team. Locals playing for MC doesn’t happen too often, but the Washington sisters not only had to desire to play for their hometown team, but also had the high character and work ethic that the coach looks for when recruiting players.

“It’s just fun to coach them,” he said. “They’re great kids and about as easy to coach as any player you can have. They do things the right way.

“The biggest difference between this year and last year was, I don’t want to say scared, but they were really cautious with the way they played. I think they’re more comfortable this year, more aggressive. You can tell that they have more of a feel for what we’re trying to do.”

Both players agreed that they have grown since last year.

“I have a lot more confidence, I’m more mature on the court and I’m more physical,” Alexis said. “I’ve also learned how to be more of team player.” Added Alexandrea: “I think I’ve worked a little harder since last year. I think I wasn’t as hungry because I was a freshman. This yea,r it made me think I need to work harder, especially being a sophomore. Now we know what Coach Jones wants instead of being freshmen and coming in brand new. Everything is much better this year.”

The Washingtons are also excited about the potential of this year’s team, which has a good combination of quick guards and size inside.

“This team likes to work hard,” Alexandrea said. “Everyone is trying to fight for a spot but everybody is working hard and doing what they’re supposed to be doing outside of basketball.” Added Alexis: “The scrimmages have been going really well but we believe it’s time to play actual games. We come together more and more every single time we play, practice and every time we’re on the court.”

While the entire team looks to build on the chemistry, the Washington sisters have that, thanks to playing together since the second grade.

“I love playing with my sister,” Alexandrea said. “We’ve been playing with each other for a really long time, so I really enjoy it. Not everyone can say they have played with a sibling of theirs. And the fact that we’re twins makes it even better.”

Added Alexis: “Having a sister that’s really close and being able to play with her just makes everything a lot better.”

Coach’s quote: “I’m excited seeing this team develop. This has been a very uneventful fall off the court. I have really enjoyed having them every day. They have great attitudes. I think our balance is going to be a key. You can’t key on one or two players. We have players who will play hard and our size is going to bother some people.”

Notes: The Lady Chaps have six sophomores, one of which is Idaho State transfer and guard Bianca Thacker. Jones said having that much experience should be a strength for his team. … The Lady Chaps have five players on the roster who are 6-foot-2 or taller.